U.S. patent application number 16/265647 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-30 for sink and drain for sink.
The applicant listed for this patent is Elkay Manufacturing Company. Invention is credited to Daniel Keating Childs, Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong, Shawn Daly, Erik Lynch, Christopher Waas, Robert Zudic.
Application Number | 20190161946 16/265647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61012198 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-30 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190161946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Childs; Daniel Keating ; et
al. |
May 30, 2019 |
SINK AND DRAIN FOR SINK
Abstract
Sinks and drains for sinks permitting the attachment of the
drain to the sink such that the drain is substantially disposed
below the top surface of the sink basin, and such that there is no
discernable separation between the base of the sink basin and the
drain when viewed from above the sink. A method of making a sink
such that there is no discernable separation between the base of
the sink basin and the drain when viewed from above the sink.
Inventors: |
Childs; Daniel Keating;
(Nokomis, FL) ; Daly; Shawn; (Shorewood, IL)
; Chong; Jonathan Chee Yeen; (Chicago, IL) ;
Lynch; Erik; (Downers Grove, IL) ; Zudic; Robert;
(Chicago, IL) ; Waas; Christopher; (North
Riverside, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elkay Manufacturing Company |
Oak Brook |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61012198 |
Appl. No.: |
16/265647 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15700928 |
Sep 11, 2017 |
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16265647 |
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14708883 |
May 11, 2015 |
9783968 |
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15700928 |
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13428625 |
Mar 23, 2012 |
9057185 |
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14708883 |
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61467858 |
Mar 25, 2011 |
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61490138 |
May 26, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/264 20130101;
E03C 1/182 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; E03C 1/2306 20130101;
E03C 1/262 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/182 20060101
E03C001/182; E03C 1/264 20060101 E03C001/264; E03C 1/23 20060101
E03C001/23; E03C 1/262 20060101 E03C001/262 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A sink and drain assembly comprising: a sink basin having a
sidewall and a base, the base having an opening; a drain entry
disposed at the opening and having a first end welded to the base
at the opening, the weld being smooth to appear integrally formed
with the base when viewing into the sink basin, and a second end
forming a drain opening, the drain entry including a substantially
cylindrical section extending away from the base, the cylindrical
section having a first diameter; a drain pipe with a second
diameter that is less than the first diameter of the cylindrical
section, the drain pipe disposed at the drain opening of the drain
entry; a strainer disposed within the drain pipe; and a removable
drain basket that includes a stopper, the stopper being selectively
placeable between a lowered position in which the stopper covers
the strainer to plug the drain opening, and a raised position, in
which water flowing through the drain entry flows around the
stopper and through the drain opening to the drain pipe.
22. The sink and drain assembly of claim 1, wherein the drain entry
does not extend above the base through the opening.
23. The sink and drain assembly of claim 1, wherein the drain
opening is integrally connected to the drain pipe.
24. The sink and drain assembly of claim 1, wherein the drain pipe
has a threaded exterior surface.
25. A drain for a sink, the sink having a basin that includes a
base having a drain opening, the drain comprising: a drain entry
having a generally cylindrical shape that extends along a
centerline, the drain entry having a first end portion welded to
the base at the drain opening along a weld, the weld being smooth
to appear integrally formed with the base on one side, and a second
end portion disposed opposite the first end portion and defining an
outer edge portion; a drain pipe having an inner edge portion, the
drain pipe having a generally cylindrical shape and extending along
the centerline such that the inner edge portion is disposed
proximal the outer edge portion; the drain entry having a flange
portion extending generally transversely to the centerline between
the outer edge portion and the inner edge portion; and a strainer
disposed along the drain pipe.
26. A drain for a sink, the sink having a basin that includes a
base having a drain opening, the drain comprising: a drain entry
portion having a generally cylindrical shape that extends along a
centerline, the centerline defining a longitudinal axis, the drain
entry portion having a first end portion welded to the base at the
drain opening along a weld, the weld being smooth to appear
integrally formed with the base on one side, and a second end
portion disposed opposite the first end portion along the
longitudinal axis and defining an outer edge portion, the outer
edge portion being concentrically disposed around the longitudinal
axis and being planar and disposed transversely to the longitudinal
axis; a drain pipe having an inner edge portion, the drain pipe
having a generally cylindrical shape and extending along the
longitudinal axis, the inner edge portion being planar and disposed
transversely to the longitudinal axis proximal to the outer edge
portion; a radial portion extending between the outer edge portion
and the inner edge portion; and a strainer disposed along the drain
pipe.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part
application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/708,883, filed May 11, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/428,625, filed Mar. 23, 2012, now
U.S. Pat. No. 9,057,185, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/467,858, filed Mar. 25,
2011, and 61/490,138, filed May 26, 2011, all of which are
incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Sinks have drains for permitting water to drain from the
sink into a plumbing system. During installation, drains are
typically inserted into the interior of the sink basin and dropped
into an opening at the base of the basin. The drain has a rim with
a diameter exceeding the diameter of the opening such that the rim
rests on the top surface of the base of the sink basin. Often, the
portion of the base surrounding the opening has a countersink
portion such that the rim of the drain is generally flush with the
adjacent portion of the base of the sink. Nonetheless, a groove is
present between the rim of the drain and the sink base that is
difficult to clean and susceptible to bacterial growth. In
addition, the presence of the groove is visible to a user and
aesthetically unappealing.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments of sinks and drains for sinks are disclosed
herein. The embodiments permit the attachment of a drain to a sink
such that the drain is substantially disposed below the top surface
of the sink basin, and such that there is no discernable separation
between the base of the sink basin and the drain when viewed from
above the sink. A method of making a sink is also disclosed wherein
there is no discernable separation between the base of the sink
basin and the drain when viewed from above the sink.
[0004] A sink is described comprising a sink basin having a
sidewall and a base in a bottom portion thereof. The base includes
a drain opening and a first drain entry portion integrally formed
from the base and extending from the bottom portion at the drain
opening. A second drain entry portion includes a first end portion
with a radially outwardly extending flange configured to connect to
the base at the first drain entry portion, and a second end portion
opposite the first end portion. A bracket includes a lip configured
to engage the flange. A fastener attaches the bracket to the base
to thereby hold the first end of the second drain entry portion to
the first drain entry portion with the lip engaged with the
flange.
[0005] A method of making a sink is also described. The method
comprises forming a sink basin having a sidewall and a base, the
base including a bottom portion and an opening. A first drain entry
portion is formed integrally with the base and extending from the
bottom portion at the drain opening. A second drain entry portion
is provided, the second drain entry portion including a first end
portion with a radially outwardly extending flange. A bracket
including a lip is positioned into engagement with the flange to
hold the flange on the base at the first drain entry portion. The
bracket is attached to the base to thereby hold the first end of
the second drain entry portion to the first drain entry portion
with the lip engaged with the flange.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sink;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a drain for the sink of FIG.
1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a drain
for the sink of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a drain
for the sink of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
sink;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a drain for
the sink of FIG. 5;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a drain for a
sink attached to a garbage disposer;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary bottom perspective view showing the
drain of FIG. 7;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a drain entry portion welded
to a sink;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a drain
entry portion welded to a sink;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of a
drain entry portion welded to a sink;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a cross section view of a sink;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a sectional close up view of a drain of the sink
of FIG. 12;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a sectional close up view of an embodiment of a
fastener for attaching a drain to a sink;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a sectional close up view of another embodiment
of a fastener for attaching a drain to a sink;
[0021] FIG. 16 is a sectional close up view of yet another
embodiment of a configuration for attaching a drain to a sink;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a sectional close up view of yet another
embodiment of a configuration for attaching a drain to a sink;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a sectional close up view of yet another
embodiment of a fastener for attaching a drain to a sink;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a perspective close up view of yet another
embodiment of a configuration for attaching a drain to a sink;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the
configuration of FIG. 19; and
[0026] FIG. 21 is a sectional close up view of yet another
embodiment of a configuration for attaching a drain to a sink.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a sink 100 with the appearance of an
edgeless drain is shown. The sink 100 can include one or more sink
basins 102 and a rim 104. The sink basin 102 can include one or
more sidewalls 106 and a base 108. The base 108 can include an
opening 110 for a drain. The sidewalls 106 and base 108 can form an
interior surface of the basin 102 to retain water and washable
items. The rim 104 can be used to support the basin 102 in an
above-mount arrangement or under-mount arrangement with respect to
a counter. The sink 100 can be made of any suitable material, such
as stainless steel.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, a drain 101 is shown that can include a
drain entry portion 112, and drain elements including a flange
plate 114, a strainer 116, a drain pipe 118, and a cover 120. The
drain entry portion 112 can be sized and shaped to receive at least
one of the drain elements and preferably all of the above drain
elements, for example a cylindrical shape and can extend from the
bottom of the sink basin at the opening for the drain 101. The
drain entry portion 112 can include a first end portion 122 and a
second end portion 124. In some embodiments, the drain entry
portion 112 can be formed as part of the sink 100. In other
embodiments, the drain entry portion 112 can be a component
separately manufactured from the sink 100. The first end portion
122 of the drain entry portion 112 can be welded to the base of the
sink to fix the drain entry portion 112 to the sink basin at the
opening. In order to conceal the welded intersection between the
drain entry portion 112 and the base, a grinding and polishing
operation can be applied such that the intersection is hidden to a
user looking into the sink basin. In addition, because the drain
entry portion 112 can be mounted from below without the need for a
drain rim to rest on the base, there is no groove between the drain
101 and the sink basin 102. From a user's perspective, the drain
opening leads directly into the drain 101. The weld between the
sink basin and the drain entry portion 112 can be accomplished in
any suitable manner, such as with a shielding gas weld.
[0029] FIGS. 9-11 show examples of suitable embodiments of a drain
entry portion welded to a base of a sink. It will be appreciated,
however, that the drain entry portion can be coupled to the sink
via any suitable manner, some embodiments of which are illustrated
herein.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 9, the drain entry portion 612 can include
a radially extending flange 680. The flange 680 can be disposed
against the underside of the sink base 108. The drain entry portion
612 can have an interior diameter that is smaller than the opening
110 of the sink 100 such that there is a portion of the flange 680
extending inward from the opening 110 that can receive a solder
material 682 for welding the drain entry portion 612 to the sink
100. As discussed, after welding, a grinding and polishing
operation can be applied to the weld such that the intersection
between the drain entry portion 612 and the sink 100 is hidden to a
user looking into the sink basin 102.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 10, the drain entry portion 712 can include
a radially extending flange 780. The flange 780 can be disposed
within the opening 110 such that the flange abuts the portion of
the sink base 108 forming the opening 110. Thus, the perimeter of
the flange 780 has a diameter that is smaller than the opening 110
of the sink 100 such that the flange 780 fits within the opening
110. The thickness of the flange 780 can be smaller than the
thickness of the sink base 108 such that a space is formed on the
upper surface of the flange 780 for receiving a solder material 782
for welding the drain entry portion 712 to the sink 100. As
discussed, after welding, a grinding and polishing operation can be
applied to the weld such that the intersection between the drain
entry portion 612 and the sink 100 is hidden to a user looking into
the sink basin 102.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 11, the drain entry portion 812 can include
a radially extending flange 880. The flange 880 can be disposed
away from the edge 884 of the drain entry portion 812 on the first
end portion 822. The flange 880 can be disposed against the
underside of the sink base 108, and the edge 884 of the drain entry
portion 812 can have an exterior diameter that is smaller than the
opening 110 of the sink 100. The flange 880 can be located on the
drain entry portion 812 a sufficient distance from the edge such
that the edge is disposed below the upper surface of the sink base
102 and such that the edge 884 can receive a solder material 882
for welding the drain entry portion 812 to the sink 100. As
discussed, after welding, a grinding and polishing operation can be
applied to the weld such that the intersection between the drain
entry portion 812 and the sink 100 is hidden to a user looking into
the sink basin 102.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 2, the second end portion 124 of the
drain entry portion 112 can include a lip 126 for receiving a seal
128. The flange plate 114 can have an outer edge portion 130 and an
inner edge portion 132. The outer edge portion 130 of the flange
plate 114 can rest on the seal 128 such that the seal 128 prevents
water inside the drain 101 from passing between the intersection of
the drain entry portion 112 and the flange plate 114. The inner
edge portion 132 of the flange plate 114 can receive a lip 134 of
the drain pipe 118 for supporting the drain pipe 118.
[0034] The strainer 116 can be disposed above the lip 134 of the
drain pipe 118 and the inner edge portion 132 of the flange plate
114. The strainer 116 can include a seal 136 for contacting the lip
134 of the drain pipe 118 and preventing the passage of water in
the drain 101 past the seal 136. The strainer 116 can be press fit
within the flange plate 114. The strainer 116 can have one or more
openings in the bottom of the strainer to permit water to flow past
the strainer 116 and into the drain pipe 118.
[0035] The drain 101 can include a cover 120 over the drain entry
portion 112, the flange plate 114, and the strainer 116. The cover
120 can be secured to the sink with a locking nut 138. The drain
pipe 118 can be threaded to receive the locking nut 138, and the
locking nut 138 can be tightened to enhance the seal force applied
between the drain entry portion 112 and the flange plate 114. A
coupler 140 can be used to attach the drain pipe 118 to a pipe 142
leading to a trap.
[0036] A removeable strainer basket 144 can be disposed within the
drain 101. The strainer basket 144 can include a basket portion 146
for capturing solids and a stopper 148 that can be lowered into the
strainer 114 to plug the drain 101.
[0037] Turning to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of a drain 201 is
shown that can include a drain entry portion 212, and an attachment
portion 250, and drain elements including a strainer 216, and a
drain pipe 218. The drain entry portion 212 can be cylindrical and
can extend from the bottom of the sink basin at the opening for the
drain 201. The drain entry portion 212 can include a first end
portion 222 and a threaded exterior surface 252. The drain entry
portion 212 can be a component separately manufactured from the
sink. The first end portion 222 of the drain entry portion 212 can
be welded to the base to fix the drain entry portion 212 to the
sink basin at the opening. In order to conceal the welded
intersection between the drain entry portion 212 and the base, a
grinding and polishing operation can be applied such that the
intersection is hidden to a user looking into the sink basin. In
addition, because the drain entry portion 212 can be mounted from
below without the need for a drain rim to rest on the base, there
is no groove between the drain 201 and the sink basin. From a
user's perspective, the drain opening leads directly into the drain
201. The weld between the sink basin and the drain entry portion
212 can be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as with a
shielding gas weld.
[0038] The attachment portion 250 can have a threaded surface 254
and an inner edge portion 232. The attachment portion threaded
surface 254 can be received and tightened to the threaded surface
252 of the drain entry portion 212. The inner edge portion 232 of
the attachment portion 250 can receive a lip 234 of the drain pipe
218 for supporting the drain pipe 218.
[0039] The strainer 216 can be disposed above the lip 234 of the
drain pipe 218 and the inner edge portion 232 of the attachment
portion 250. The strainer 216 can include a seal 236 for contacting
the lip 234 of the drain pipe 218 and preventing the passage of
water in the drain 201 past the seal 236. The strainer 216 can be
press fit within the attachment portion 250. The strainer 216 can
have one or more openings in the bottom of the strainer to permit
water to flow past the strainer 216 and into the drain pipe 218.
The drain pipe 218 can be threaded to receive a coupler that can be
used to attach the drain pipe to a pipe leading to a trap.
[0040] A removeable strainer basket 244 can be disposed within the
drain 201. The strainer basket 244 can include a basket portion 246
for capturing solids and a stopper 248 that can be lowered into the
strainer 216 to plug the drain 201.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, a third embodiment of a drain 301 is
shown that can include a drain entry portion 312, an attachment
portion 350, and drain elements including a strainer 316, and a
drain pipe 318. The drain entry portion 312 can be cylindrical and
can extend from the bottom of the sink basin at the opening for the
drain 301. In this embodiment, the drain entry portion 312 can be
formed from the sink basin during the drawing process to shape the
sink. Thus, the drain entry portion 312 can be integrally formed to
lead directly from the sink basin to the drain 301. Threads 352 can
be welded or otherwise attached to the drain entry portion 312.
[0042] The attachment portion 350 can have a threaded surface 354
and an inner edge portion 332. The attachment portion threaded
surface 354 can be received and tightened to the threads 352 of the
drain entry portion 312. The inner edge portion 332 of the
attachment portion 350 can receive a lip 334 of the drain pipe 318
for supporting the drain pipe 318.
[0043] The strainer 316 can be disposed above the lip 334 of the
drain pipe 318 and the inner edge portion 332 of the attachment
portion 350. The strainer 316 can include a seal 336 for contacting
the lip 334 of the drain pipe 318 and preventing the passage of
water in the drain 301 past the seal. The strainer 316 can be press
fit within the attachment portion 350. The strainer 316 can have
one or more openings in the bottom of the strainer to permit water
to flow past the strainer 316 and into the drain pipe 318. The
drain pipe 318 can be threaded to receive a coupler that can be
used to attach the drain pipe to a pipe leading to a trap.
[0044] A removeable strainer basket 344 can be disposed within the
drain 301. The strainer basket 301 can include a basket portion 346
for capturing solids and a stopper 348 that can be lowered into the
strainer 316 to plug the drain 301.
[0045] FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of an edgeless drain
401 suitable for use with a non-metallic sink 400, such as a sink
made of granite or other suitable stone. The drain 401 can include
a first drain entry portion 411, a second drain entry portion 412,
and drain elements including a flange plate 414, a strainer 416, a
drain pipe 418, and a cover 420. The first drain entry portion 411
can be cylindrical and can extend from the bottom of the sink basin
at the opening for the drain 401. Similar to the embodiment of FIG.
4, the first drain entry portion 411 can be formed as part of the
sink basin during the process of making the sink. Thus, the first
drain entry portion 411 leads directly from the sink basin into the
drain 401.
[0046] The second drain entry portion 412 can include a first end
portion 422 and a second end portion 424. The second drain entry
portion 412 can be a component separately manufactured from the
sink. The first end portion 422 of the second drain entry portion
412 can include one or more apertures such that the drain entry
portion 412 can be fastened to the bottom of the sink using
suitable fasteners 456 disposed through the apertures, such as one
or more screws.
[0047] The second end portion 424 of the second drain entry portion
412 can include a lip 426 for receiving a seal 428. The flange
plate 414 can have an outer edge portion 430 and an inner edge
portion 432. The outer edge portion 430 of the flange plate 414 can
rest on the seal 428 such that the seal 428 prevents water inside
the drain 401 from passing between the intersection of the second
drain entry portion 412 and the flange plate 414. The inner edge
portion 432 of the flange plate 414 can receive a lip 434 of the
drain pipe 418 for supporting the drain pipe 418.
[0048] The strainer 416 can be disposed above the lip 434 of the
drain pipe 418 and the inner edge portion 432 of the flange plate
414. The strainer 416 can include a seal 436 for contacting the lip
434 of the drain pipe 418 and preventing the passage of water in
the drain 401 past the seal 436. The strainer 416 can be press fit
within the flange plate 414. The strainer 416 can have one or more
openings in the bottom of the strainer to permit water to flow past
the strainer 416 and into the drain pipe 418.
[0049] The drain 401 can include a cover 420 over the second drain
entry portion 412, the flange plate 414, and the strainer 416. The
cover 420 can be secured to the sink with a locking nut 438. The
drain pipe 418 can be threaded to receive the locking nut 438, and
the locking nut 438 can be tightened to enhance the seal force
applied between the second drain entry portion 412 and the flange
plate 414. A coupler 440 can be used to attach the drain pipe 418
to a pipe 442 leading to a trap.
[0050] A removeable strainer basket 444 can be disposed within the
drain 401. The strainer basket 444 can include a basket portion 446
for capturing solids and a stopper 448 that can be lowered into the
strainer 416 to plug the drain 401.
[0051] It will be appreciated that the above-described sink and
drain embodiments may be utilized with a garbage disposer. For
example, FIGS. 7 and 8 show an embodiment of a drain 501 attached
to a garbage disposer 560. In this embodiment, the drain 501 can
include a drain entry portion 512, a disposer attachment ring 562,
a strainer 516, and a disposer assembly 564. The drain entry
portion 512 can be cylindrical and can extend from the bottom of
the sink basin at the opening for the drain 501. The drain entry
portion 512 can include a first end portion 522 and a threaded
exterior surface 552. The drain entry portion 512 can be a
component separately manufactured from the sink. The first end
portion 522 of the drain entry portion 512 can be welded to the
base to fix the drain entry portion 512 to the sink basin at the
opening. In order to conceal the welded intersection between the
drain entry portion 512 and the base, a grinding and polishing
operation can be applied such that the intersection is hidden to a
user looking into the sink basin. In addition, because the drain
entry portion 512 can be mounted from below without the need for a
drain rim to rest on the base, there is no groove between the drain
501 and the sink basin. From a user's perspective, the drain
opening leads directly into the drain 501. The weld between the
sink basin and the drain entry portion 512 can be accomplished in
any suitable manner, such as with a shielding gas weld.
[0052] The disposer attachment ring 562 can have a threaded surface
566 and a lower portion 568. The flange plate threaded surface 552
can be received and tightened to the threaded exterior surface 566
of the drain entry portion 512. The lower portion 568 can have a
detent 570 for receiving a snap ring 572. The strainer 516 can be
disposed above detent 570. The strainer 516 can have one or more
openings in the bottom of the strainer to permit water to flow past
the strainer 516 and into the disposer 560.
[0053] The disposer assembly 564 can include a backup flange 574
and a mounting ring 576. The backup flange 574 can be generally
triangular and the mounting ring 576 can have a plurality of
tightening screws 578 for contacting the backup flange 574 near
each vertex of the backup flange 574. During tightening of the
screws 578, the mounting ring 576 can be retained to the disposer
attachment ring 562 by the snap ring 572. As is known to those of
skill in the art, the disposer 560 can include a bracket for
hanging the disposer from the mounting ring.
[0054] A removeable strainer basket 544 can be disposed within the
drain 501. The strainer basket 544 can include a basket portion 546
for capturing solids and a stopper 548 that can be lowered into the
strainer 516 to plug the drain 501.
[0055] FIGS. 12-21 show a variety of alternative sink/drain
attachment embodiments. In particular, sinks constructed of
composite materials that are cast or molded, such as E-Granite.TM.
and other similar materials, are particularly well suited to the
illustrated attachment embodiments. One such sink 900 is shown in
FIG. 12 with the configuration of an edgeless drain. Other similar
sink configurations are contemplated. The sink 900 can include one
or more sink basins 902 and a rim 904. The sink basin 902 can
include one or more sidewalls 906 and a base 908. The base 908 can
include an opening 910 for a drain. The sidewalls 906 and base 908
can form an interior surface of the basin 902 to retain water and
washable items. The rim 904 can be used to support the basin 902 in
an above-mount arrangement or under-mount arrangement with respect
to a counter. The sink 900 can be made of any suitable material,
such as a composite stone and acrylic resin matrix. One advantage
of such an engineered, molded product is that the area surrounding
the opening 910 may be provided with an increase in material
thickness relative to the sidewalls 906, which is sufficiently
thick to receive fasteners or other fastening elements as will be
described in more detail hereinbelow in order to fasten a drain
entry portion 912 of a drain thereto. For clarity, many of the
elements of the drain will be omitted in the following
illustrations, and it will be understood that the drain elements
shown in the previous drawings and described above may be used in
conjunction with the drain entry portion 912 shown in FIG. 13, and
similar elements in the following embodiments labeled as element
1212, 1312, 1412, or 1512, for example.
[0056] FIG. 13 shows a portion of a sink base 908 according to the
embodiment of FIG. 12. The base 908 includes an opening 910, which
is formed in a portion of the base that is thicker relative to the
surrounding material. The thickened section of the base 908 is
drilled and tapped or otherwise provided with threads or the like
to receive fasteners 956, which may be threaded screws. The
fasteners 956, when installed, hold a bracket 984 in position
against the underneath of the base 908 surrounding the opening 910.
The bracket 984 may be circular, rectangular, or any suitable
shape. An optional gasket 988 may be installed between the base 908
and the bracket 984. The bracket 984 includes a lip 986 that
defines, with the base 908, an annular channel or groove.
[0057] The sink 900 includes a first drain entry portion 911 and a
second drain entry portion 912 sized and shaped to receive drain
elements, some examples of which are set out in the above
embodiments. The second drain entry portion 912 includes a first
end portion 922 that is positionable adjacent the base 908 and a
second end portion 924 that is at an opposite end of the first end
portion. The second drain entry portion 912 is similar in
construction, shape and size as the second drain entry portion 412
in FIG. 6. The first end portion 922 includes a radially outwardly
extending flange 980. The diameter of the second drain entry
portion 912 may match or be about that of the diameter of the
opening 910. The flange 980 extends radially outwardly from the
first end portion 922. The second drain entry portion 912 is held
in position on the base 908 by the overlapping interconnection of
the flange 980 and the lip 986.
[0058] Connection of the second drain entry portion 912 to the sink
900 proceeds by positioning the second drain entry portion on the
underside of the base 908 of the sink. The bracket 984 is
positioned over the second drain entry portion 912 with the flange
980 overlappingly captured by the lip 986. The fasteners 956 are
screwed or otherwise secured into bores formed in the base 908 to
retain the bracket 984 on the base. Alternatively, a gasket 988 may
be interposed between the base 908 and the bracket 984 to provide
sealing.
[0059] While the fasteners 956 may directly threadably engage the
material of the base 908, other types of fasteners are
contemplated. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the base 1008 is
modified to receive an undercut anchor-type fastener 1056. The
fastener 1056 includes a receiving part that resides embedded
within the material of the base 1008 and a bolt that threads into
the receiving part. The fastener 1056 holds gasket 988 and bracket
1084 in a similar fashion as the fastener shown in FIG. 13. The
illustrated fastener 1056 is a commercially anchor available from
Keil.RTM.. Preparation of the base 1008 for fastener 1056 is a
well-known process.
[0060] Another type of fastener is shown in FIG. 15. In this
embodiment, the base 1108 may be provided with straight sided bores
to receive a press-in threaded anchor 1190 that receives a bolt and
nut fastener 1156. This type of anchor/fastener is commercially
available from Specialinsert.RTM. and holds bracket 1184 in a
similar fashion as the fastener shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0061] Turning to FIG. 16, the first drain end portion 1211 is
shown formed with an externally threaded extension 1292 that
extends downwardly from the base 1208. The second drain entry
portion 1212 includes a first end portion 1222 with internal
threads that are shaped and sized to threadably engage the
externally threaded extension 1292. A second end portion 1224 is
configured as in previous embodiments. Installation of the second
drain entry portion 1212 proceeds by threading the first end
portion 1222 of the second drain entry portion onto the externally
threaded extension 1292 until the flange 1280 abuts the bottom of
the base 1208.
[0062] FIG. 17 shows a sink base 1308 with a first drain entry
portion 1311 and a second drain entry portion 1312. The second
drain entry portion 1312 includes a first end portion 1322 with a
radially extending flange 1380 and a second end portion 1324
opposite the first end portion. The flange 1380 is embedded in the
material of the first drain entry portion 1311 of the base 1308.
The embedding may occur during manufacture of the sink base. For
example, the flange 1380 may be inserted into a mold or fixture
used to case the sink base prior to casting such that the cast
material may flow around portions of the flange 1308.
[0063] FIG. 18 shows yet another fastener 1456 comprising a flange
nut 1490 and mounting screw 1456. The flange nut 1490 is cast or
embedded into the material of the base 1408 and resides within the
material permanently as a result of its shape. The second drain
entry portion 1412 is held in position on the underneath surface of
the base 1408 by the interconnection of the flange 1480 of the
first end portion 1422 and the lip 1486 located on the bracket
1484. The mounting screw 1456 holds the bracket 1484 to the
underneath of the base 1408 with an optional gasket 1488 interposed
between the bracket and base.
[0064] FIGS. 19-20 show yet another mechanism and method of
connecting a second drain entry portion 1512 via a first end
portion 1522 to a sink basin 1508. The sink basin 1508 includes a
first drain entry portion 1511 defining an opening 1510 provided
with three or more spaced blocks 1581 surrounding the opening. The
spaced blocks 1581 are formed with radially inwardly facing notches
1583. The spaced blocks 1581 may be formed as a unitary, one-piece
construction with the sink or attached to the sink basin 1508 with
an adhesive, for example. The notches 1583 may be provided via
other features formed in or attached to the basin 1508.
[0065] A locking bracket or lockring 1585 is shaped and sized to
interconnect and lock to the spaced blocks 1581M a first rotational
orientation and disengage from the spaced blocks in a second
rotational orientation. The locking function is accomplished by
engaging a plurality of spaced lugs 1591 that extend radially
outwardly from the bracket 1585. The lugs 1591 are configured to
engage with the notches 1583 in the first rotational orientation.
The bracket 1585 may be a substantially flat lock ring and includes
a lip 1586 shaped and sized to retain the first end portion
1522.
[0066] The bracket 1585 includes cutaways 1589 between the lugs
1591. When the cutaways 1589 are aligned with the blocks 1581, no
engagement occurs between the bracket 1585 and the blocks and
second drain entry portion 1512 can be disassembled from the sink.
The bracket 1585 may also include stops 1587 that are formed
between the lugs 1591 and the cutaways 1589, which may be angled
with respect to the plane of the bracket 1585 and contact the
blocks to stop the rotation of the bracket. When the stops 1587
contact the blocks 1581 and rotation of the bracket 1585 is thereby
arrested, the installer can be assured that the lugs 1591 are
properly and fully engaged in the notches 1583 and the second drain
entry portion 1512 is secured to the basin 1508.
[0067] During assembly, the first end portion 1522 of the second
drain entry portion 1512 is positioned against the underneath of
the basin 1508 surrounding the opening 1510. The bracket 1585 is
installed over the second drain entry portion 1512 with the
cutaways 1589 aligned to clear and pass over the blocks 1581. The
lip 1586 overlaps and captures the flange (not shown) of the second
drain entry portion 1512. The bracket 1585 is rotated (FIG. 19) so
the lugs 1591 are inserted and engage with the notches 1583 into
the second rotational orientation shown in FIG. 19. The stops 1587
contact the blocks 1581 to arrest the rotation of the bracket 1585
and provide confirmation that the lugs 1591 are fully engaged,
which can occur without the need for visual inspection. Reversing
the rotation of the bracket 1585 reverses the installation process
and permits disassembly of the drain from the sink.
[0068] FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of a mechanism and method
for attaching a drain to a sink. The sink basin 1608 includes an
opening 1610 defined by a first drain entry portion 1611. A second
drain entry portion 1612 is brought into contact with the
underneath the drain basin 1608 by contacting a flange 1680 of a
first end portion 1622 of the second drain entry portion to the
underneath of the drain basin. A bracket 1684, which is sized and
shaped to hold the flange 1680 via a lip 1686 and abut the
underneath of the drain basin 1608. An adhesive 1693 is applied to
the side of the bracket 1684 in contact with the drain basin 1608,
which functions to hold the bracket on the drain basin.
[0069] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0070] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0071] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *